Late afternoon on August 27, attackers believed to be Boko Haram fighters kidnapped five (5) children as they returned from farming. The children, aged between 7 and 19, live in Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the ongoing insecurity brought on by Boko Haram in the Far North Region of Cameroon.
According to field sources, the children and their mothers were surprised by twenty-nine attackers on their way home. The attackers gathered the mothers on one side and asked them to return home. “We did so in tears,” said Marie, one of the mothers.
No news has been heard of Clarisse, 19; Wadawa 13; Lamara, 10; and siblings Sarah and Daniel, aged 12 and 7 respectively. The children are all from Christian families, who confirm that no demand for ransom has yet been made.
Arise Africa
Violence in part of Sub-Saharan Africa has been rising to unprecedented levels. These attacks in Cameroon are just one example of extremist activity targeting the church. Open Doors is working to collect One Million Voices united against violence.
You can add yours to the Arise Africa Petition. When we reach one million names, we will present the petition to the United Nations, requesting recognition for the church under attack.
Five killed
Another attack occurred September 7, when Boko Haram insurgents attacked multiple localities in northern Cameroon, killing five Christians and injuring several others.
According to surviving villagers the attack seemed targeted at the church.
Four people died on the spot and one other died later at the hospital. All victims are identified as Christians. More than 13 people who sustained injuries are currently receiving medical attention in different health facilities across the sub-division.
The attackers also set fire to houses, livestock, and property. Notably, this included multiple shops belonging to Christians.
“The St. John the Baptist Parish of Ouzal was set ablaze, with the priest’s office, vehicle, and food storage facilities destroyed by fire” said Cameroun24net.
“The attack targeted the church”, a resident shared. “They burnt the house of the Catechist of Zaroua-Modoko and looted all his property.”
Three children remain missing following the attack.
Where do Christians experience the
most persecution?
“The Islamist terrorist group, Boko Haram, continues to attack vulnerable communities in the Far North Region of Cameroon, diversifying its methods from attacks on communities, to random attacks on farms, ambushing, kidnappings and demands for ransom, and arson,” explains one Open Doors local Field partner serving in Cameroon.
Despite these attacks, the government has reiterated its resolve to put an end to Boko Haram and support the affected communities. One representative of the government announced that the government will be fully covering the medical bills of all injured. On Monday September 8, convoys of the Government’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), an elitist force set on combatting the Boko Haram, were on ground to visit the affected communities.
Please join us in praying for the affected families, communities and for the safe return of the missing and kidnapped children.
Pray
- Please pray for the comfort and healing of families who have lost family members
- Pray for the quick recovery of the injured and hospitalised, including two who need surgery.
- Pray for the release of the kidnapped children.
- Pray for enduring faith for the church in the North of Cameroon at this moment of despair.
- Pray for the Lord’s protection and provision for IDPs and other Christians who have stayed back in their villages.
- Also, pray for the return of peace and security in Cameroon.
